Best New Production 12AX7?

I'm looking for very low microphonics. I've got a Vox AC30CC which vibrates like crazy at the volumes I'm playing at. I need a couple of tough, reliable, warm-sounding ECC83s for V1 & V2. And I need volume.

I've got a pair of GT 12AX7Ms in there now, but I can hear V2 starting to howl. I've got an NOS Mullard CV4024(12AT7) in V3.

I don't necessarily want a real "high-gain" tube. At least I think I don't. If "gain" means "early breakup." I'm not looking for bone-crunching distortion. I need a clean-to-moderately-dirty tone -- with as much volume as I can squeeze out of this 30w amp.

I'm looking at the Electro Harmonix 12AX7, which is supposed to be very low in microphonics and the JJ ECC83S (or is it 803S?).

I use the EH12AX7s most of the time. David Allen ships them with his kits and his amps sound fantastic. I also know Randall Aiken said he stopped putting JJs in his amps becuse he said they sound a little compressed if I recall correctly. I swapped the JJs in my Invader for EH when I got it and it improved the dynamics of the amp a bit. Relabelled EH12AX7 tubes are also what Mesa is currently using for their preamp tubes.

I do like JJ power tubes though. They seem to have good bass response.

I'm sure NOS and some other brands may sound better but EH are the best bang for the buck IMHO.

The EH can be overly bright (really depends on your amp and your ears I suppose).

The Sovtek LPS is a great sounding tube, but easily subject to microphonics -- I use 'em in heads all the time, but not in combos. Also note that the LPS is limited by a low heater/cathode voltage rating. No big deal in an anode follower (reg'lar ol' gain stage), but won't survive in a cathode follower -- like the tone stack driver in Marshalls or tweed Fenders.

If it's reliability and low microphonics from new production that you're after, EH is the best in my opinion and experience. Also love the LPS and I have never had microphonics problems with the 3 that I own.

Based on what you've stated for your needs, I would look at NOS 5751 or 12AT7 tubes. The gain is a bit lower (70% and 60% respectively), but the signal to noise ratio is much more preferable in these old tubes, and I get a great warm tone with either.

You can score JAN Phillips 5751 for about 12-15 bucks, and a Mullard 12AT7 for about the same money. These are great rugged tubes and may be just what you're looking for.

Originally posted by Killa-B Based on what you've stated for your needs, I would look at NOS 5751 or 12AT7 tubes. The gain is a bit lower (70% and 60% respectively), but the signal to noise ratio is much more preferable in these old tubes, and I get a great warm tone with either.

You can score JAN Phillips 5751 for about 12-15 bucks, and a Mullard 12AT7 for about the same money. These are great rugged tubes and may be just what you're looking for.

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I've already got a Mullard CV4024 in V3. If I bought two more and put them in V1 & V2, would I have a cleaner amp? Would the volume be reduced? I would like the amp to stay the same with regard to volume -- or get even louder, perhaps.